Need recommendation for a good auto insurance company

by Guest » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:37 pm
Guest

Hi, I am in Los Angeles, California, and I am looking to get a new auto insurance policy, I have had premium quotes with Mercury, Allstate, State Farm, and AAA, the quotes I got from each are similar, can anyone give me some recommendations as to which insurance company has a better reputation, i.e. customer service, the way they handle accident claims, if they are responsible in paying out claims in an event an accident does occur?

Thanks

Total Comments: 8

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 03:19 pm Post Subject:

I'm liking Allstate.

(shhh....don't tell anyone I'm an Allstate agent)

Seriously though, in my time as an Agent, I haven't had any situations where my customers have complained about how claims were handled, etc.

I'm sure there are people out there with horror stories about every insurance company in the phone book.

You could ask friends for their recommendations also.

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 07:43 pm Post Subject:

Hi Mandy
Sometimes having a good experience at time of claim is because you have a good agent/broker. If I were you I would go with the agent (agency) that you liked best.

You can find examples of good and bad claims stories at just about any company and a lot comes down to circumstances that might not be disclosed with the story.

Hope that helps!

Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 05:29 am Post Subject: reputable company

try state farm, i have worked for this company along with someother major companies and i can say from experience they are rated A++

Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:09 am Post Subject:

Check your stated Dept of Ins site...there will be a complaint area and you can see which of the company's you are considering have the most complaints and why...this isn't the be all and end all..but good to look at...word of mouth is the best salesman talk with friends and familys about their experiences with their own carriers especially during times of claims.

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 04:15 am Post Subject:

Hi,

I too would recommend the policy that Lori has suggested…..check out with the Department of Insurance for the names of the insurance providers in your state. Also, you would wish to know the present financial status of the carrier. Since the bailout of the insurance giant AIG, this aspect has certainly gained importance.

The claim payment history, as well the customer satisfaction is other important parameter to determine the worthiness of the insurer. The Department of Insurance also maintains a log that shows the number of complaints registered against the insurer over time. This'll help you in deciding as well.

~Jeremy

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 04:23 am Post Subject:

Mandy, you shouldn't restrict your search only to the big insurance companies. Many a times the medium and small size local insurance carriers can also provide better coverage at a competitive rate.

Another advantage with the local insurer is that they stay within the reach of the customers. And you can approach to their offices easily with your problems.

Along with the rates of the policy, you should also weigh the benefits offered by the insurance company. Price shouldn't remain the only deciding parameter, rather compare apple to apple while shopping around for the coverage.

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 04:37 am Post Subject:

The major rating agencies rate the financial stability of the insurance companies, they are

  • A.M. Best Co
  • Duff & Phelps Inc
  • Weiss Ratings, Inc.
  • Standard & Poor's Corp.
  • Moody's Investors Services


These rating agencies release reports on the performances of the insurance companies, based on the company's earning, adequacy ratio, liquidity, investment performance, assets (both fixed and liquid), operating leverage and reinsurance programs.

However, these reports shouldn't be considered as a reflection of the customer satisfaction, rather the agency rating can only give an overview of the financial ability of the business entity. Hence, consulting the friends and family for recommendations is also a good idea.

Regards,
Juanita

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 03:54 pm Post Subject: insurance

I'm NOT an Insurance Agent, but..I do wanna tell people my persoanl experience with 'my' insurance company. I go through Nationwide. I think they have been SOOO helpful about information that I wanted, about different issues, I was having. When I had my auto accident, last year, Nationwide was wonderful to work with. They were very patience and helpful.

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